2nd Trimester: done!

it goes without a doubt to say that i can't believe the 2nd Trimester has come and gone. i also think most women would agree with me that it's leaps and bounds better than the 1st Trimester, and also is the best out of all three. Though, having only gone through 2 I can't be sure.

i didn't have horrible morning sickness in my 1st Trimester, but the overall, constant feeling of sickness almost did me in. However, literally the FIRST morning of 2T i woke up and felt amazing! I got ready, and even wore lipstick AND perfume! To top it all off, i made it to work on time! i couldn't believe the wives tales of the 2nd Trimester being that much better were true.  but i wasn't going to look a gift horse in the mouth. i haven't looked back since then.

the 2nd Trimester held a lot of milestones for me:

1. the best was feeling Little Wood move. there is absolutely no way to describe the feelings, both physically and emotionally. i didn't feel the much remarked "butterfly" feeling and felt like i had to wait longer than most. and as far as emotionally speaking- again, there are no  words.
2. finally starting to show. since i started feeling better in 2T, there was almost an odd sense of worry because i didn't "feel" pregnant (i.e. sick) and wasn't looking like it either. starting to show evened everything out.
3. feeling better! i was able to go back to the gym (though not as frequently) and could actually drink water without gagging.
4. finding out that LW is a girl! it really helped me bond and i've been able to feel like i can start preparing for her now that i know.

in the tradition of saying farewell to the 1st Trimester, i've compiled a list of some of my favorite things that helped get me through the 2T.  i've probably already talked about most these in the past, but when i looked back they were my saving grace!

the Preggle pregnancy pillow: sleeping with this was like learning to ride a bike. at first it was always just in the way and way too big for me to sleep with. but now i realize it's because I wasn't big enough. while i definitely recommend getting a pregnancy pillow early on to train yourself with sleeping with one, please know that it really starts to help when your belly is getting big and it hurts to sleep on your back. hugging this while side sleeping is where it's at.

Knudsen Cottage Cheese: ironic, as this is how your thighs are probably starting to look right now! but seriously, i buy the 3 gallon tub from Costco and usually have a little when i get  home from work before dinner. i don't feel guilty eating it, feel satiated, and it's a good source of dairy and protein.

Motherhood Maternity dress pants: if you don't work in an office, who cares right? go shopping wherever you want, spend whatever you want. but if you're a working professional like me (sounds much fancier than it really is) then you need decent work pants that aren't expensive. these are comfortable, look like legit dress pants (already got some complements from other preggos at work) and are cheap! don't let the Destination Motherhood people talk you into Pea in the Pod pants- not worth it!

Target Mossimo Micro Rib Tanks: i know i've talked about these a lot. they are my go-to undershirt, weekend shirt, and make my regular shirt look longer than it is shirt. i've always bought them in a Medium because i like them to be longer and now i can wear them well into 28 weeks. they are $9 at their most expensive, and are always on sale for $7 or even $4 in the clearance racks. plus, you don't feel bad if you stretch them out, and can wear them post delivery with the same sentiments about getting spit up on them. i plan to!

Mustela Double Action Stretch mark cream: I just got my 3rd bottle a few weeks ago and this will continue to make an appearance until stretch marks do. i figure i will need at least 1 more before all is said and done because my belly is only getting more surface area, and therefore, more cream. obviously i know that stretch marks are genetic but i will do everything in my power to prevent them. no stretch marks yet! i'm sure that gaining weight slowly and exercising have also aided in this journey, but i definitely put my stamp of approval so far on this cream.

whew! and there you have it. time has done nothing but speed up in this journey and i can't believe i have less than 3 months before i can meet my Little Wood.  hello 3rd Trimester!